A blog of the Greater Oklahoma City chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA
The name of this blog is taken from the preamble of the Charter of the United Nations (1945):
"We the Peoples of the United Nations, Determined...
to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small...."

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Mandela at the United Nations

In 1993, Nelson Mandela spoke to the UNAbout the Long Struggle to End Apartheid

Here are some excerpts from his remarks:

"We have, together, walked a very long road. We have travelled together to reach a common destination.

"The common destination towards which we have been advancing defines the very reason for the existence of this world Organisation.

"The goal we have sought to reach is the consummation of the yearning of all humankind for human dignity and human fulfilment.

"For that reason, we have been outraged and enraged that there could be imposed on any people the criminal system of apartheid.

"Each and every one of us have felt our humanity denied by the mere existence of this system. Each and every one of us have felt brandished as sub-human by the fact that some could treat of others as though they were no more than disposable garbage.

"In the end, there was nobody of conscience who could stand by and do nothing in the search for an end to the apartheid crime against humanity.

"We are here today to convey to you, who are the representatives of the peoples of the world, the profound gratitude of the people of South Africa for your engagement, over the decades, in the common struggle to end the system of apartheid.

"We are deeply moved by the fact that almost from its birth, this Organisation has kept on its agenda the vital question of the liquidation of the system of apartheid and white minority rule in our country.

"Throughout the many years of struggle, we, as South Africans, have been greatly inspired and strengthened as you took action both severally and collectively, to escalate your offensive against apartheid rule....

"In particular, we are most grateful for the measures that the United Nations... took to isolate apartheid South Africa."

Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai captures a world-view in which nothing is perceived as impossible and presents an awe-inspiring, profile of Maathai's unstoppable and courageous thirty-year journey to protect the environment, defend human rights, and promote democracy.